At a Glance

In this undiscovered gem of Tennessee, Southern charm and grand Victorian mansions meet a thoroughly modern metropolis. From high atop Lookout Mountain to inside the underground Ruby Falls cascade, and from the Hunter Museum of American Art to the Challenger Space Center, learn about this small city with a big personality.

Activity Level

On Your Feet

Walking from three blocks to one mile daily. Some stairs.

Best of all, you'll ...

Take a train ride through rolling vistas and the Missionary Ridge “horseshoe” tunnel to the turntable and Back Shop.

Board the River Gorge Explorer to explore the spectacular Tennessee River Gorge.

University of Tennessee speakers discuss the founding of the Challenger Space Center and its purposes today.

Featured Expert

All Experts

Justin Strickland

Justin Strickland has been fascinated by trains his entire life. His first "railroad" job was with the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway at the age of 15, where he eventually became a conductor. Justin has also worked with the Southeastern Railway Museum, Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History, and the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum. He authored the only book dedicated to the Terminal Station in Chattanooga and has been interviewed for the railroad documentary "Tracing the Tracks."

What they didn't want you to know
"We all watched in shock and disbelief when Challenger was lost. Probably no one felt more disappointment and regret than Allan McDonald, who had warned us not to launch that day. His story tells of loss, grief, and the eventual rebuilding and recovery."--Robert "Hoot" Gibson, former Space Shuttle pilot and commander
"A major contribution to a difficult episode in the history of human spaceflight."--Roger D. Launius, Division of Space History, Smithsonian Institution

Historic Photos of Chattanooga [Hardcover]

by William F Hull

HISTORIC PHOTOS OF CHATTANOOGA captures the remarkable journey of this city and her people with still photography from the finest archives of city, state and private collections. From the Civil War through Reconstruction, the rise of industry, World Wars and into the modern era, Chattanooga has remained a unique and prosperous city. With hundreds of archival photos reproduced in stunning duotone on heavy art paper, this book is the perfect addition to any historian's collection.

Chattanooga (Then & Now: Tennessee) [Paperback]

by Rob Clifton

Twenty-five years ago, the citizens of Chattanooga met together to plot the future of their city by reinvigorating the townÂ’s origins by the river. Changes since then have refreshed the city and the waterfront, renewing energy in this friendly Southern town. This volume documents the landmarks that remain and the ones that exist only in images and fading memories.

Chattanooga's Terminal Station (TN)

by Justin W. Strickland

Long before Glenn Miller made the world-famous "Chattanooga Choo Choo" an American icon, Chattanooga was already a bustling railroad community. By the beginning of the 20th century, passenger trains overwhelmed Chattanooga's two railroad depots and a larger station was needed. The solution was Terminal Station, which rivaled most Southern depots in size, expense, and aesthetic beauty. Providing transportation to cities throughout the country, the terminal made its mark as the gateway for rail from the agricultural south to the industrial north. Following its closure, the terminal was reopened as a renowned hotel and entertainment complex in 1973, becoming one of Chattanooga's many exciting attractions. Images of Rail: Chattanooga's Terminal Station follows the history of this depot in both stories and photographs.

Chattanooga Landmarks (TN): Exploring the History of the Scenic City (The History Press) [Paperback]

by Jennifer Crutchfield

Chattanooga's history and heritage are embodied in the historical sites, structures and groundbreaking feats of engineering that have defined the city from its beginning. Many of the Scenic City's most important landmarks are still preserved. Yet with so many fascinating historic sites and storied destinations, seeing them all is no easy task. Fortunately, Chattanooga Landmarks offers a helpful survey of the most historically significant sites in the city and the surrounding area. Join Chattanooga local Jennifer Crutchfield as she guides you through the city's historic wonders, both natural and man-made. From the top of Lookout Mountain down to the banks of the Tennessee River and through downtown, Chattanooga Landmarks covers the breadth of the historic sites that make this Tennessee city a landmark all its own.

Silver Linings: My Life Before and After Challenger

by June Scobee Rodgers

Twenty-five years after the very public tragedy of the space shuttle Challenger, June Scobee Rodgers has written her private story—her winding path through childhood poverty, homelessness, and family dysfunction to her teenage marriage and twenty-six years of love and life with Dick Scobee. This is the story, too, of that heartbreaking day in January 1986 when Commander Scobee and his six crewmates “slipped the surly bonds of Earth.” That day, June’s life took a new direction that ultimately led to the creation of the Challenger Center for Space Science Education and to new love and new life with Don Rodgers. Her story of faith and triumph over adversity will inspire readers of every age.
June Scobee Rodgers, originally from Alabama, is the widow of Dick Scobee, commander of the space shuttle Challenger. June serves as the Founding Chairman of the Board and as a Founding Director for Challenger Center for Space Science Education. Holding a Ph.D. from Texas A&M University and a Master’s degree from Chapman College, both in Curriculum and Instruction, she is proud of the fact that she has taught in every grade-level classroom from kindergarten through college. June is married to retired Army Lieutenant General Don Rodgers. They live in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and have three grown children and nine grandchildren.

Afternoon: Program Registration. After you have your room assignment, come to the Road Scholar table in the main lobby to register with the program staff and get your welcome packet containing your name-tag, up-to-date schedule that reflects any last-minute changes, other important information, and to confirm when and where the Orientation session will take place. If you arrive late, please ask for your packet when you check in.

Dinner: In our conference/meeting room of the hotel, we’ll have a buffet dinner with coffee, tea, water: other beverages available for purchase at the bar.

Evening: Orientation: 5:45 p.m. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Travel and transfers will be via private motorcoach unless noted otherwise. Periods in the daily schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. The Group Leader will walk to the riverfront with those who would like to begin becoming familiar with the area. Continue getting to know one another, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.

Breakfast: At the hotel, choose what you like from the breakfast buffet including milk, juices, coffee, hot tea, water.

Morning: We’ll be joined by a local expert for a presentation on the history of Chattanooga. We’ll then ride to the nearby city of Soddy-Daisy for a special and unusual field trip to meet and learn from Master Carver Bud Ellis, who founded his own hand-carving school, the only one of its kind. Ellis is notable for restoring the 1894 Dentzel carousel in Chattanooga's Coolidge Park with its 52 hand-carved figures of camels, fish, giraffes, horses, ostriches, pigs, and rabbits. At the school, we’ll see first-hand examples of students’ carving abilities and also learn about the history of the carousel.

Lunch: At the hotel, we’ll have a lunch buffet with beverage choices of coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase from the bar.

Afternoon: Next, we’ll walk to the loading dock on the Tennessee River and board the Tennessee Aquarium’s study cruise boat, the River Gorge Explorer. During our 2-hour cruise on the river, an Aquarium naturalist will provide commentary on human and natural history. You are welcome to stand on the topside observation deck or sit in the enclosed cabin with large windows. The Tennessee River Gorge is popularly known as Tennessee’s “Grand Canyon.” It winds along 26 miles through more than 27,000 acres of protected land with awe-inspiring scenic landscapes and bountiful resources. These habitats sustain more than 1,000 species of plants, nearly 200 species of birds, and more than 60 species of mammals.

Dinner: Hotel buffet.

Evening: Our experts will set the stage for tomorrow’s field trip to explore the geological wonders of Lookout Mountain, Rock City, and Ruby Falls.

DAY

3

Lookout Mountain, Rock City, Ruby Falls, Train History

Chattanooga, TN

B,L,D

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Chattanooga Downtown

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach. At Rock City, walking 100-foot trail; 35 stairs in sets of 4-5 stairs with handrails; uneven, some inclines. Ruby Falls entrance building is handicapped accessible; cave not wheelchair accessible. Elevator down to starting point of cave walk, approximately 4/5 of a mile one way; hard packed dirt, uneven paths.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: To begin a full day of exploration, discovery, and wonder, we’ll board the motorcoach with our Group Leader and take a short drive to Lookout Mountain. The mountain was the setting for two historic battles. The so-called “last battle of the Cherokee” took place in August of 1794. The 1863 Battle of Lookout Mountain —also known as the Battle Above the Clouds — sounded the death knell of the Confederacy when Union troops prevailed. As we ponder its history, we can marvel at the panoramic view of seven states. More than 200 million years of weathering have produced the massive, unusually shaped sandstone boulders in what is now known as Rock City, situated at 1,700 feet above sea level atop Lookout Mountain. During this self-directed exploration, you can traverse a walking trail more than 4,000 feet long that features not only these ancient rock formations but caves and gardens with more than 400 species of native plants. You may walk at your own pace and see what interests you most. There are places along the trail to sit as well as easy access back to the starting point. Our Group Leader will be available to answer any questions about trail logistics.

Lunch: At a restaurant on Lookout Mountain.

Afternoon: We’ll hop back aboard the motorcoach for a short drive on the mountain top to Ruby Falls, where we will go on a walking exploration with a local expert. We’ll learn how this extraordinary geological wonder was discovered in 1928 by a team of excavators who came across it 1,120 feet beneath the surface. The waterfall is 145 feet high, falling through a cavern created by the same geological forces as Rock City and Lookout Mountain itself. When they say don’t drink the water, they mean it! The water in Ruby Falls contains high concentrations of magnesium.

Dinner: Hotel buffet.

Evening: We’ll be joined by a local expert who will talk about Track 29 and the Terminal Station. We’ll then take a short walk to see trains and the grounds of the Choo Choo Hotel, returning to the hotel via trolley.

Morning: We’ll be joined by an Appalachian music specialist who has been documenting and performing music of the Tennessee Valley region for many years. We’ll learn about the types of instruments used in pre-1930 string band music including fiddle and banjo and how they evolved into the popular music we hear today. We’ll then set out on a field trip that will take us Missionary Ridge by train. On the way, we’ll stop at Chattanooga’s Terminal Station, saved from destruction by a song. It began serving passengers in 1906, when the grand building was considered a masterpiece of Beaux Arts design. Train travel declined steadily after World War II, and Terminal Station was finally left vacant in 1970. But then, the strains of Glenn Miller’s “Chattanooga Choo Choo” began tantalizing a group of local businessmen. They invested millions of dollars and transformed it into a lively hotel and entertainment complex. Moving on, we’ll ride to Grand Junction Station for a train trip that will take us along one of the original railroad lines in Chattanooga, crossing four bridges and passing through pre-Civil War Missionary Ridge Tunnel, completed in 1858. It played an important part in the Civil War as we will hear from our local expert. The train stops at East Chattanooga, where we can see the locomotive rotating on a turntable. We’ll have time to look into the railroad restoration shop before re-boarding for the return trip. Back at Grand Junction Station, we’ll return to the hotel by motorcoach.

Lunch: Hotel buffet.

Afternoon: We’ll board the motorcoach again with our Group Leader for a field trip to the Hunter Museum of American Art, situated on an 80-foot bluff on the edge of the Tennessee River. We will explore the exceptional collection — recognized as one of the country's finest — with a museum expert. The Hunter has a particular focus on American art from the Colonial period to the present day. The collection includes contemporary studio glass, furniture, mixed media, paintings, photography, sculpture, and works on paper covering a range of styles and periods. The artists include Ansel Adams, John James Audubon, Thomas Hart Benton, Albert Bierstad, Mary Cassatt, Alexander Calder, Marc Chagall, Dale Chihuly, Currier & Ives, Salvador Dali, Willem de Kooning, Winslow Homer, Edward Hopper, Fitz Henry Lane, Louise Nevelson, Frederick Remington, John Singer Sargent, and Andrew Wyeth, to name a very few. We’ll also be able to enjoy splendid views of the river and surrounding mountains. Returning to the hotel, the remainder of the afternoon is free. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. The free trolley is available and can be boarded 1/2 a block from the hotel.

Dinner: This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. The hotel is within walking distance of some of the finest local restaurants.

Evening: At leisure. You might like to attend a performance or other event, explore independently, or relax at the hotel with new Road Scholar friends. The Group Leader will gladly help you with your plans.

Morning: Next, we’ll board our motor coach and ride to the Walnut Street Bridge. If you’d like to walk, it’s just over 1/2 mile from the hotel. The bridge was erected in 1891 and at 2,376 feet (720 meters) is the world's longest pedestrian bridge. It connects downtown Chattanooga to the north shore. We’ll then walk over the bridge to the 1894 Dentzel carousel in historic Coolidge Park at the other end. (The motorcoach will take anyone who does not want to walk.) This is the antique carousel we learned about on Day 2 that was restored by master wood carver Bud Ellis and a devoted team of craftspeople and volunteers. Bud will meet us at the carousel and talk about his work on the 52 whimsical hand carved animals, the calliope band organ, and ornate, gold leafed benches. We’ll also get to ride the carousel! We’ll then ride back to the hotel.

Lunch: On your own to enjoy what you like.

Afternoon: During the Civil War, Chattanooga was a key rail center and gateway to the heart of the Confederacy. The Battle of Chickamauga was fought for this prize and is essential to understanding Chattanooga’s history. Only the Battle of Gettysburg was more lethal but, unlike that notorious conflict, Chickamauga was a huge Union defeat. Our expert historian will lead the field trip to Chickamauga Battlefield where we’ll learn what happened September 19-20, 1863, and how it impacted the war.

Dinner: At one of Chattanooga's favorite restaurants, we’ll have a plated and served meal with beverage choices of coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase. Share favorite experiences with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.

Evening: At leisure. Prepare for check-out and departure after our closing session in the morning.

DAY

6

About the Challenger Space Center, Program Concludes

Chattanooga, TN

B

Activity note: Hotel check-out by 12:00 Noon.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: We’ll be joined by a guest speaker from the Challenger STEM Learning Center who will tell us about its work and educational mission of introducing students to real-world applications. The space shuttle “Challenger” exploded after take-off from the Kennedy Space Center on January 28, 1986. Challenger Learning Centers were developed as a memorial to the seven astronauts who died and to the goal of educating students in STEM: science, technology, engineering, and math. There are now 45 around the world. The first integrated into a university was on the campus of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. We’ll also have time for Q&A. The lecture session will end at approximately 9:15 a.m. This concludes our program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Please join our Facebook page and share photos of your program. Visit us at www.facebook.com/rsadventures. Best wishes for all your journeys!

Meals

12 Meals

5 Breakfasts

3 Lunches

4 Dinners

The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Gluten Free, Vegetarian

Lodging

Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.

The DoubleTree Hilton Hotel Chattanooga Downtown boasts an ideal location just off I-24/Highway 27 in the heart of downtown Chattanooga, Tennessee. Our hotel is situated only minutes from Rock City, the Tennessee Aquarium, all of Chattanooga’s riverfront attractions, and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC). Shop, dine and stroll the Scenic City that waits right outside our doors. We have complimentary wired and wireless Internet access throughout, including guest rooms and suites. Check email in our inviting lobby or with a cold beverage at the H2O lounge. Our hotel offers a vibrant choice of dining and rejuvenation options. Dine on bistro-style dishes at ELEVEN, plunge into the pool or reinvigorate at the fitness center. Our 11,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting space and downtown Chattanooga location makes us ideal for meetings, weddings and social events. Nearby Chattanooga tourist attractions include Historic Chickamauga Civil War Battlefield, Lookout Mountain, Rock City and the Tennessee Aquarium. The hotel is close to several businesses including Alstom, Blue Cross and Blue Shield, CIGNA, Unum Group and Volkswagen. Set on two lakes and surrounded by mountain vistas, Chattanooga, Tennessee is a scenic city. With a unique blend of urban and rustic charm, the riverside city offers a mix of shopping and dining experiences. Our hotel is steps away from the city’s riverside attractions including the TN Aquarium, IMAX 3D Theater, and the Creative Discovery Museum. After a family day at the aquarium, cinema and museum, enjoy a dinner cruise along the Tennessee River on the Southern Belle Riverboat. Spend an enchanted day at Lookout Mountain, minutes from our hotel. Trek through Rock City and admire views of the Chattanooga Valley. Discover the waterfalls of the Ruby Falls underground cave, and ride the Incline Railway, the world's steepest passenger railway.

The Chattanooga Road Scholar trip was interesting, diverse, and educational.
From the boat ride on the Tennessee River to the cave under Lookout Mountain the sights were things I hadn't experienced before. well worth the trip.

This trip had a wonderful enthusiastic speakers and the subjects were varied and interesting. The city is lovely and a wonderful example of revitalization. The road trips added to the information we learned in previous lectures.

Chattanooga is rich in history. Learning about the Civil War in the South and Chattanooga History was interesting. The train history of Chattanooga and learning the geology of Lookout Mountain, visit to Rock City and Ruby Falls was fun, boat ride on Tennessee River were good learning experience. Visiting the Hunter Museum of American art was cool, it HAS pretty good collection of American Art. Overall, a amazing program with mix of different activities with great educational content. Carol Burton our group leader is wonderful

Didn't see a place to evaluate Jim Ogden but we spent over four hours with him and he never lost my attention. For me he was the highlight of the five days. I realize thst the boat excursion was for other than RS but it would have been better for me if
the commentary related better to our program. I would think it
would have been better for everyone if the dialog had tied better to Chat and its history. (PROBABLY IN THE WRONG PLACE)

This was our first Road Scholar program, and we were very impressed with the quality of the education and experience. Part of the program included Civil War history, a subject I didn't think I would find interesting, but the lectures on Chattanooga history and on the important battle at Chattanooga turned out to be highlights of the trip! Every part of this trip was interesting, fun, and well-organized. I would highly recommend it.

Come to Chattanooga, Tennessee and discover its place in the history of our country. Why was it so important during the Civil War? What native tribes were settled here and their contribution to the area? Experience the Ruby Falls cave and the panoramic vista from atop Lookout Mountain where you will find the famous Rock City. You won't want to miss this great adventure!

This program is the bomb! There's an amazing variety of things to see and do. Chattanooga is just big enough to be interesting, but small enough to be easy to get around. It's also a pretty city with interesting history. You won't regret choosing to visit Chattanooga.

The entire program portion was interesting and informative. I did not know how important Chattanooga was. The instructors were excellent. Carol was warm, friendly and helpful. When she learned that the River Gorge Explorer was taken out of service for repairs she arranged for the group to have two experiences which are not on the regular program. These turned out to be more than substitutes, they enhanced the program. The hotel was not up to Road Scholar standards. The breakfast buffet was extremely limited, e.g., if cereal was not on the menu, milk was also not on the menu, if scrambled eggs were put out, there was no serving spoon. I had to ask for more toilet tissue because I had half a roll left after the housekeeper finished the room. When I checked in there were two bobby pins on the floor. When I checked out they were still there. I would highly recommend this program but would suggest that another hotel be used.

Despite having grown up in nearby Cohutta, Georgia, I really never had spent much time in Chattanooga. This program filled this long existing void. Both my husband and I truly enjoyed the well led Carol Burton program.
After many years of visiting the area, we finally "saw'" Rock City and and its cousin Ruby Falls. The ride on. Oth the river and the caring son they carousel we also lots of fun. It is likely that we will return for another visit real soon. After all, we did not get to visit the famous "Moon Pie" store!!!

Want to ride a train, a hydroplane catamaran, go deep into the earth to hike in a cave and see a huge underwater waterfall? Want to learn about the civil war, visit a battlefield and listen to some good old fiddle and banjo? Want to see the authentic Choo Choo of Chattanooga? Suitable for all ages, and This trip is for you!!!